Chronic oil leaks are the single most significant problem for most electric power substation infrastructure, primarily transformers. An ongoing leak equivalent to one 500-milliliter water bottle (about 17 oz.) per week can amount to 26,000 liters (more than 6,800 gallons) of oil spilled in one year. Oil leaks present serious maintenance and environmental issues and can be costly. This paper discusses a broad range of problems associated with mineral oil-filled infrastructure in electric power substations and utility customer needs. In addition, it addresses the use of smart secondary oil containment systems to help utilities meet challenges and manage risks inherent in aging transformers.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The transition to renewables, rapidly aging infrastructure, and climate change present challenges that smart oil containment systems can help utility professionals manage.
• The transformer market will expand to meet energy growth challenges—Renewables, sustainability, environment, reliability, security, and resilience concern utilities in 2021.
• Smart oil containment is integral to addressing the top utility market issues around renewables, aging infrastructure, climate change impacts, and energy policy.
• Increasing uncertainty in maximum probable floods and financial and reputation costs point to smart oil containment strategies.
• SorbWeb™Plus technology fits a variety of substation work scenarios and addresses a wide range of challenges and issues.